Pumas UNAM end America’s undefeated run

August 30, 2014

America’s undefeated streak came to an end in week 7 of the Apertura 2014 of La Liga MX. Pumas UNAM brought the streak to an end with an 88th minute goal at the Azteca Stadium in a game that was highly contested.

The home side begun the season with five consecutive wins before drawing in week 6. Pumas on the other hand were coming from a draw against Club Tijuana and the recent signing of Guillermo Vasquez as coach.

The game started intense with the first yellow card at the 6th minute of play. America Captain Paul Aguilar had a rough tackle that earned him the booking. The game was rough as both teams gave their all in the “capital city derby” keeping the referee alert at all times.

The battle was back and forth with both teams taking the ball to each other’s side of the net. However, it was the host team that had the shots on goal. In the 25th minute Colombian Luis Gabriel Rey had the best opportunity to break the zero. He received and controlled a rebound from goalkeeper Alejandro Palacios. Rey sent the ball to the keeper’s right, but wide by inches.

As the clock ticked forward, America took more possession of the ball as they attacked Palacios’ net. Despite the pressure from the eagles, the game would go to break with the 0-0.

The intensity continued in the second half with each side looking for an advantage. The light rain began to affect the ball adding speed to each pass. This became an advantage for Pumas allowing them to challenge Moises Muñoz on more occasions in the second half.

The effort finally paid off for Pumas in the 88th minute when Dante Lopez received a ball in the area. He had two America defenders on him, but Lopez shot anyway. The ball ricocheted off one of the defenders lifting the ball over Muñoz who was off his line. The ball volleyed into the net for the 1-0 in the universitarios’ favor.

The intensity did not stop there as the America moved up its attack, but to no avail. Pumas would hold on to the 1-0 victory ending America’s undefeated streak.